UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration to lift or waive all sanctions on Iran as agreed under a 2015 deal aimed at stopping Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. 
 
In a report to the UN&nbsp;Security Council, Guterres also urged the United States to 'extend the waivers with regard to the trade in oil with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects'. 
 
The 15-member council will on Tuesday discuss the secretary-general's biannual report on the implementation of a 2015 resolution that enshrines the nuclear deal between Iran, the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China. 
 
Guterres' appeal to Washington comes amid talks to revive the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, under which Iran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for a lifting of many foreign sanctions against it. 
 
Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump abandoned the pact in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, prompting Tehran to start violating some of the nuclear limits in 2019. 
 
"I appeal to the United States to lift or waive its sanctions outlined in the plan," said Guterres, who also appealed to Iran to return to full implementation of the deal. 
 
Iran has refined uranium up to a purity of roughly 60%, far above the deal's limit of 3.67% and much closer to the 90% suitable for atom bomb cores, though it maintains that it seeks only civilian nuclear power and could quickly reverse its moves if Washington rescinded sanctions and returned to the 2015 deal. 
 
Guterres said: "I continue to believe that a full restoration of the Plan remains the best way to ensure that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran remains exclusively peaceful."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to US President Joe Biden's administration to lift or waive all sanctions on Iran as agreed under a 2015 deal aimed at stopping Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to US President Joe Biden's administration to lift or waive all sanctions on Iran as agreed under a 2015 deal aimed at stopping Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. In a report to the UN Security Council, Guterres also urged the United States to 'extend the waivers with regard to the trade in oil with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects'. The 15-member council will on Tuesday discuss the secretary-general's biannual report on the implementation of a 2015 resolution that enshrines the nuclear deal between Iran, the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China. Guterres' appeal to Washington comes amid talks to revive the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, under which Iran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for a lifting of many foreign sanctions against it. Former US President Donald Trump abandoned the pact in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, prompting Tehran to start violating some of the nuclear limits in 2019. "I appeal to the United States to lift or waive its sanctions outlined in the plan," said Guterres, who also appealed to Iran to return to full implementation of the deal. Iran has refined uranium up to a purity of roughly 60%, far above the deal's limit of 3.67% and much closer to the 90% suitable for atom bomb cores, though it maintains that it seeks only civilian nuclear power and could quickly reverse its moves if Washington rescinded sanctions and returned to the 2015 deal. Guterres said: "I continue to believe that a full restoration of the Plan remains the best way to ensure that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran remains exclusively peaceful."

UN chief urges US to remove Iran sanctions as agreed in 2015

India has raised the issue of drones being used for terror activities at the UN. It came days after explosions at Air Force Station in Jammu with the help of low-flying drones. India said the use of weaponised drones for terrorism needs serious attention.

India raises Jammu air base attack at UN, says drones are being used for terror activities

Racism against people of African descent remains systemic in many parts of the world, the UN&nbsp;human rights chief said on Monday, calling for states to dismantle discrimination and prosecute law enforcement officials for unlawful killings. 
 
Michelle Bachelet, in a global report sparked by the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020, said that police use of racial profiling and excessive force is entrenched in much of North America, Europe and Latin America. 
 
Structural racism creates barriers to minorities' access to jobs, healthcare, housing, education and justice, she said. 
 
“I am calling on all states to stop denying, and start dismantling, racism; to end impunity and build trust; to listen to the voices of people of African descent; and to confront past legacies and deliver redress," she said in the report to the Human Rights Council. 
 
Bachelet welcomed a 'promising initiative' by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden in signing an executive order in January to address racial inequity across the United States. 
 
Her report cited 190 deaths of Africans and people of African descent worldwide at the hands of law enforcement officials who are 'rarely held accountable'. 
 
It selected seven 'emblematic cases', including that of Floyd. A judge sentenced former police officer Derek Chauvin on Friday to 22-1/2 years for his murder, video of which galvanised the national Black Lives Matter protest movement. 
 
Other victims include an Afro-Brazilian boy, 14, shot dead in an anti-drug police operation in Sao Paulo in May 2020 and a Frenchman of Malian origin, 24, who died in police custody in July 2016. 
 
"Racism and racial discrimination against Africans and people of African descent are often rooted in policies and practices grounded in the debasement of the status of individuals in society," the report said. 
 
The scourge is most prevalent in countries with a legacy of slavery, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, or colonialism resulting in large communities of people of African descent, it added. 
 
"Systemic racism needs a systemic response," Bachelet said. "There is today a momentous opportunity to achieve a turning point for racial equality and justice."

Racism against people of African descent remains systemic in many parts of the world, the UN human rights chief said on Monday, calling for states to dismantle discrimination and prosecute law enforcement officials for unlawful killings.

Racism against people of African descent remains systemic in many parts of the world, the UN human rights chief said on Monday, calling for states to dismantle discrimination and prosecute law enforcement officials for unlawful killings. Michelle Bachelet, in a global report sparked by the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020, said that police use of racial profiling and excessive force is entrenched in much of North America, Europe and Latin America. Structural racism creates barriers to minorities' access to jobs, healthcare, housing, education and justice, she said. “I am calling on all states to stop denying, and start dismantling, racism; to end impunity and build trust; to listen to the voices of people of African descent; and to confront past legacies and deliver redress," she said in the report to the Human Rights Council. Bachelet welcomed a 'promising initiative' by US President Joe Biden in signing an executive order in January to address racial inequity across the United States. Her report cited 190 deaths of Africans and people of African descent worldwide at the hands of law enforcement officials who are 'rarely held accountable'. It selected seven 'emblematic cases', including that of Floyd. A judge sentenced former police officer Derek Chauvin on Friday to 22-1/2 years for his murder, video of which galvanised the national Black Lives Matter protest movement. Other victims include an Afro-Brazilian boy, 14, shot dead in an anti-drug police operation in Sao Paulo in May 2020 and a Frenchman of Malian origin, 24, who died in police custody in July 2016. "Racism and racial discrimination against Africans and people of African descent are often rooted in policies and practices grounded in the debasement of the status of individuals in society," the report said. The scourge is most prevalent in countries with a legacy of slavery, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, or colonialism resulting in large communities of people of African descent, it added. "Systemic racism needs a systemic response," Bachelet said. "There is today a momentous opportunity to achieve a turning point for racial equality and justice."

UN rights chief calls for 'systemic racism' to be dismantled

Six Malian soldiers were killed on Friday in a raid in the centre of the war-torn Sahel state, in a violent day which also saw 15 United Nations peacekeepers wounded in a car-bomb attack further north.&nbsp;

The UN said on Twitter that an evacuation was underway after a car bomb struck a temporary base near Tarkint, in the lawless north of&nbsp;Mali.

German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said 12 of the peacekeepers were German and that three were seriously injured.

Two of the three were in a stable condition, she said in a statement, while one has undergone surgery. All of the wounded have been evacuated by helicopter, Kramp-Karrenbauer added.

One Belgian soldier was also injured in the attack, according to a Belgian defence ministry statement.

About 13,000 troops from several nations are deployed in the UN's MINUSMA peacekeeping mission across the vast semi-arid country.&nbsp;

Mali&nbsp;is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that erupted in 2012 and which has claimed thousands of military and civilian lives.

Despite the presence of thousands of French and UN troops, the conflict has engulfed the centre of the country and spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.&nbsp;

A security official, who declined to be identified, told AFP that the MINUSMA forward operating base attacked on Friday was only set up the previous day, after a land mine damaged a UN vehicle in the area.&nbsp;

The peacekeepers set up the base in order to remove the damaged vehicle, the security official said.

Separately on Friday, militants also attacked a Malian military outpost in the village of Boni in the centre of the country, killing six soldiers and injuring another.&nbsp;

Mali's army stated on Twitter that the troops had "vigorously responded" to "simultaneous attacks" launched in Boni in the afternoon.&nbsp;

Ten Malian soldiers had been killed in a similar ambush in Boni in February.&nbsp;

Central&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;-- which is the epicentre of the conflict in the Sahel -- also saw six French soldiers and four civilians wounded on Monday when a car bomb detonated near a French armoured car.

Former colonial power France, which intervened in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;in 2013 to beat back the jihadists, currently has 5,100 soldiers deployed across the Sahel region.

But French President Emmanuel Macron announced earlier this month that he would wind down the Barkhane force.

France plans to refocus its energies on strengthening an international task force of special forces in&nbsp;Mali, known as Takuba.&nbsp;

Several hundred people gathered in&nbsp;Mali's capital Bamako on Friday to demand the departure of French forces from the country, an AFP journalist reported.&nbsp;

Six Malian soldiers were killed on Friday in a raid in the centre of the war-torn Sahel state, in a violent day which also saw 15 United Nations peacekeepers wounded in a car-bomb attack further north.

Six Malian soldiers were killed on Friday in a raid in the centre of the war-torn Sahel state, in a violent day which also saw 15 United Nations peacekeepers wounded in a car-bomb attack further north. The UN said on Twitter that an evacuation was underway after a car bomb struck a temporary base near Tarkint, in the lawless north of Mali. German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said 12 of the peacekeepers were German and that three were seriously injured. Two of the three were in a stable condition, she said in a statement, while one has undergone surgery. All of the wounded have been evacuated by helicopter, Kramp-Karrenbauer added. One Belgian soldier was also injured in the attack, according to a Belgian defence ministry statement. About 13,000 troops from several nations are deployed in the UN's MINUSMA peacekeeping mission across the vast semi-arid country. Mali is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that erupted in 2012 and which has claimed thousands of military and civilian lives. Despite the presence of thousands of French and UN troops, the conflict has engulfed the centre of the country and spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. A security official, who declined to be identified, told AFP that the MINUSMA forward operating base attacked on Friday was only set up the previous day, after a land mine damaged a UN vehicle in the area. The peacekeepers set up the base in order to remove the damaged vehicle, the security official said. Separately on Friday, militants also attacked a Malian military outpost in the village of Boni in the centre of the country, killing six soldiers and injuring another. Mali's army stated on Twitter that the troops had "vigorously responded" to "simultaneous attacks" launched in Boni in the afternoon. Ten Malian soldiers had been killed in a similar ambush in Boni in February. Central Mali -- which is the epicentre of the conflict in the Sahel -- also saw six French soldiers and four civilians wounded on Monday when a car bomb detonated near a French armoured car. Former colonial power France, which intervened in Mali in 2013 to beat back the jihadists, currently has 5,100 soldiers deployed across the Sahel region. But French President Emmanuel Macron announced earlier this month that he would wind down the Barkhane force. France plans to refocus its energies on strengthening an international task force of special forces in Mali, known as Takuba. Several hundred people gathered in Mali's capital Bamako on Friday to demand the departure of French forces from the country, an AFP journalist reported.

6 troops killed, 15 UN peacekeepers wounded in separate Mali attacks

Iran has not responded to International Atomic Energy Agency over extending a monitoring agreement that expired overnight. The international nuclear watchdog said that an "immediate response from Iran was needed. The agreement allows IAEA to collect data on Iran's activities.

The matter has become all the more important after USA said not extending the monitoring agreement would hamper the efforts of reviving Iran nuclear deal struck in 2015.

"An immediate response from Iran is needed in this regard," the IAEA said in a statement summarising a report by its chief Rafael Grossi to its 35-nation Board of Governors that was also seen by Reuters.

Grossi wrote to Iran last week "to understand Iran`s position regarding the possible continued collection, recording and retention of data", the report said. As of Friday, Iran had not replied or indicated whether it intends to maintain the current arrangement, it said.

Iran and the US have been holding indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks are currently adjourned and no date for resumption has been finalised yet.

The United States abandoned the deal under then-President Donald Trump in 2018 and Iran responded by violating many of its restrictions. President Joe Biden`s administration wants to revive the accord, but Tehran and Washington have yet to agree which side should take what steps, and when.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran has not responded to International Atomic Energy Agency over extending a monitoring agreement that expired overnight. The international nuclear watchdog said that an "immediate response from Iran was needed.

Iran has not responded to International Atomic Energy Agency over extending a monitoring agreement that expired overnight. The international nuclear watchdog said that an "immediate response from Iran was needed. The agreement allows IAEA to collect data on Iran's activities. The matter has become all the more important after USA said not extending the monitoring agreement would hamper the efforts of reviving Iran nuclear deal struck in 2015. "An immediate response from Iran is needed in this regard," the IAEA said in a statement summarising a report by its chief Rafael Grossi to its 35-nation Board of Governors that was also seen by Reuters. Grossi wrote to Iran last week "to understand Iran`s position regarding the possible continued collection, recording and retention of data", the report said. As of Friday, Iran had not replied or indicated whether it intends to maintain the current arrangement, it said. Iran and the US have been holding indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks are currently adjourned and no date for resumption has been finalised yet. The United States abandoned the deal under then-President Donald Trump in 2018 and Iran responded by violating many of its restrictions. President Joe Biden`s administration wants to revive the accord, but Tehran and Washington have yet to agree which side should take what steps, and when. (With inputs from agencies)

IAEA demands answer from Iran on monitoring agreement deal

41 countries have backed the UN rights chief's demand for a visit to Xinjiang. If Xinjiang is as happy & peaceful as Beijing claims, why is it blocking this request? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: UN seeks Xinjiang visit, China declines

Sudan has formally asked the United Nations Security Council to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said. 
 
Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while the two downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, are concerned about it and seeking a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. 
 
Egypt relies on the Nile River for as much as 90% of its fresh water and sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan is concerned about the operation of its own Nile dams and water stations. 
 
Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi called on the Security Council to hold a session as soon as possible to discuss GERD and 'its impact on the safety and security of millions of people', the government statement said on Tuesday. 
 
In a letter to the council head, she called on him to urge Ethiopia to stop the 'unilateral' filling of the dam 'which exacerbates the dispute and poses a threat to regional and international peace and security', the statement added. 
 
Ethiopian officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment. 
 
Sudan and Egypt had already agreed this month to work together on all levels to push Ethiopia to negotiate 'seriously' on an agreement, after African Union-sponsored talks remained deadlocked. The two countries called on the international community to intervene. 
 
Earlier this month, Arab states called on the Security Council to discuss the dispute and Ethiopia's plans to go ahead with the second filling of the dam this summer even without an agreement with Sudan and Egypt. 
 
Ethiopia rejected the Arab League resolution in its entirety, its Foreign Ministry said. 
 
Arab League envoy to the UN, Maged Abdel Fattah, said on Tuesday evening that Sudan and Egypt are working on a draft resolution to the Security Council on GERD if Ethiopia doesn't reach a deal. 
 
Arab states will lobby for the draft resolution to be approved, he told the Egyptian private TV channel Sada Elbalad, adding that he doesn't expect world powers to block it. 
 
Ethiopia previously rejected calls from Egypt and Sudan to involve mediators outside the African Union. 
 
Sudan said earlier in June that it was open to a partial interim agreement on the multibillion-dollar dam, with specific conditions. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Sudan has formally asked the United Nations Security Council to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said.

Sudan has formally asked the United Nations Security Council to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said. Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while the two downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, are concerned about it and seeking a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. Egypt relies on the Nile River for as much as 90% of its fresh water and sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan is concerned about the operation of its own Nile dams and water stations. Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi called on the Security Council to hold a session as soon as possible to discuss GERD and 'its impact on the safety and security of millions of people', the government statement said on Tuesday. In a letter to the council head, she called on him to urge Ethiopia to stop the 'unilateral' filling of the dam 'which exacerbates the dispute and poses a threat to regional and international peace and security', the statement added. Ethiopian officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Sudan and Egypt had already agreed this month to work together on all levels to push Ethiopia to negotiate 'seriously' on an agreement, after African Union-sponsored talks remained deadlocked. The two countries called on the international community to intervene. Earlier this month, Arab states called on the Security Council to discuss the dispute and Ethiopia's plans to go ahead with the second filling of the dam this summer even without an agreement with Sudan and Egypt. Ethiopia rejected the Arab League resolution in its entirety, its Foreign Ministry said. Arab League envoy to the UN, Maged Abdel Fattah, said on Tuesday evening that Sudan and Egypt are working on a draft resolution to the Security Council on GERD if Ethiopia doesn't reach a deal. Arab states will lobby for the draft resolution to be approved, he told the Egyptian private TV channel Sada Elbalad, adding that he doesn't expect world powers to block it. Ethiopia previously rejected calls from Egypt and Sudan to involve mediators outside the African Union. Sudan said earlier in June that it was open to a partial interim agreement on the multibillion-dollar dam, with specific conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam

Climate change will fundamentally reshape life on Earth in the coming decades, even if humans can tame planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, according to a landmark draft report from the UN's climate science advisors obtained by AFP.&nbsp;

Species extinction, more widespread disease, unliveable heat, ecosystem collapse, cities menaced by rising seas -- these and other devastating climate impacts are accelerating and bound to become painfully obvious before a child born today turns 30.&nbsp;

The choices societies make now will determine whether our species thrive or simply survives as the 21st century unfolds, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says in a draft report seen exclusively by AFP.

But dangerous thresholds are closer than once thought, and dire consequences stemming from decades of unbridled carbon pollution are unavoidable in the short term.&nbsp;

"The worst is yet to come, affecting our children's and grandchildren's lives much more than our own," the report says.

By far the most comprehensive catalogue ever assembled of how climate change is upending our world, the report reads like a 4,000-page indictment of humanity's stewardship of the planet.

But the document, designed to influence critical policy decisions, is not scheduled for release until February 2022 -- too late for crunch UN summits this year on climate, biodiversity and food systems, some scientists say.

In response to AFP's reporting, the IPCC released a statement saying it "does not comment on the contents of draft reports while work is still ongoing".

Allies into enemies&nbsp;

The draft report comes at a time of global "eco-awakening" and serves as a reality check against a slew of ill-defined net-zero promises by governments and corporations worldwide.&nbsp;

The challenges it highlights are systemic, woven into the very fabric of daily life.&nbsp;

They are also deeply unfair: those least responsible for global warming will suffer disproportionately, the report makes clear.

And it shows that even as we spew record amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, we are undermining the capacity of forests and oceans to absorb them, turning our greatest natural allies in the fight against warming into enemies.

It warns that previous major climate shocks dramatically altered the environment and wiped out most species, raising the question of whether humanity is sowing the seeds of its own demise. &nbsp;

"Life on Earth can recover from a drastic climate shift by evolving into new species and creating new ecosystems," it says.&nbsp;

"Humans cannot."

'Irreversible consequences'&nbsp;

There are at least four main takeaways in the draft report, which may be subject to minor changes in the coming months as the IPCC shifts its focus to a key executive summary for policymakers.

The first is that with 1.1 degrees Celsius of warming clocked so far, the climate is already changing.&nbsp;

A decade ago, scientists believed that limiting global warming to two degrees Celsius above mid-19th century levels would be enough to safeguard our future.

That goal is enshrined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, adopted by nearly 200 nations who vowed to collectively cap warming at "well below" two degrees Celsius -- and 1.5 degrees if possible.&nbsp;

On current trends, we're heading for three degrees Celsius at best.&nbsp;

Earlier models predicted we were not likely to see Earth-altering climate change before 2100.&nbsp;

But the UN draft report says that prolonged warming even beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius could produce "progressively serious, centuries' long and, in some cases, irreversible consequences".&nbsp;

Last month, the World Meteorological Organization projected a 40 percent chance that Earth will cross the 1.5-degree threshold for at least one year by 2026.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/socialists-are-terrorists-describes-us-military-training-manual-393303">Also Read |&nbsp;Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual&nbsp;</a>

For some plants and animals, it could be too late.

"Even at 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, conditions will change beyond many organisms' ability to adapt," the report notes.&nbsp;

Coral reefs -- ecosystems on which half a billion people depend -- are one example.&nbsp;

Indigenous populations in the Arctic face cultural extinction as the environment upon which their livelihoods and history are built melts beneath their snow shoes.

A warming world has also increased the length of fire seasons, doubled potential burnable areas, and contributed to food systems losses.

Get ready

The world must face up to this reality and prepare for the onslaught -- a second major takeaway of the report.

"Current levels of adaptation will be inadequate to respond to future climate risks," it cautions.&nbsp;

Mid-century projections -- even under an optimistic scenario of two degrees Celsius of warming -- make this an understatement.

Tens of millions more people are likely to face chronic hunger by 2050, and 130 million more could experience extreme poverty within a decade if inequality is allowed to deepen.

In 2050, coastal cities on the "frontline" of the climate crisis will see hundreds of millions of people at risk from floods and increasingly frequent storm surges made more deadly by rising seas.&nbsp;

Some 350 million more people living in urban areas will be exposed to water scarcity from severe droughts at 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming -- 410 million at two degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

That extra half-a-degree will also mean 420 million more people exposed to extreme and potentially lethal heatwaves.

"Adaptation costs for Africa are projected to increase by tens of billions of dollars per year with warming greater than two degrees," the report cautions.

Point of no return

Thirdly, the report outlines the danger of compound and cascading impacts, along with point-of-no-return thresholds in the climate system known as tipping points, which scientists have barely begun to measure and understand.&nbsp;

A dozen temperature tripwires have now been identified in the climate system for irreversible and potentially catastrophic change.

Recent research has shown that warming of two degrees Celsius could push the melting of ice sheets atop Greenland and the West Antarctic -- with enough frozen water to lift oceans 13 metres (43 feet) -- past a point of no return.

Other tipping points could see the Amazon basin morph from tropical forest to savannah, and billions of tonnes of carbon leech from Siberia's permafrost, fuelling further warming.

In the more immediate future, some regions -- eastern Brazil,&nbsp;Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, central China -- and coastlines almost everywhere could be battered by multiple climate calamities at once:&nbsp;drought, heatwaves, cyclones, wildfires, flooding.

But global warming impacts are also amplified by all the other ways that humanity has shattered Earth's equilibrium.

These include "losses of habitat and resilience, over-exploitation, water extraction, pollution, invasive non-native species and dispersal of pests and diseases," the report says.

There is no easy solution to such a tangle of problems, said Nicholas Stern, former chief economist at the World Bank and author of the landmark Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change.&nbsp;

"The world is confronting a complex set of interwoven challenges," said Stern, who did not contribute to the IPCC report.&nbsp;

"Unless you tackle them together, you are not going to do very well on any of them."

'Transformational change'&nbsp;

There is very little good news in the report, but the IPCC&nbsp;stresses that much can be done to avoid worst-case scenarios and&nbsp;prepare for impacts that can no longer&nbsp;be averted, the final takeaway.

Conservation and restoration of so-called blue carbon ecosystems -- kelp and mangrove forests, for example -- enhance carbon stocks and protect against storm surges, as well as providing wildlife habitats, coastal livelihoods and food security.

Transitioning to more plant-based diets could also reduce food-related emissions by as much as 70 per cent by 2050.

But simply swapping a gas guzzler for a Tesla or planting billions of trees to offset business-as-usual isn't going to cut it, the report warns.

"We need transformational change operating on processes and behaviours at all levels: individual, communities, business, institutions and governments," it says.&nbsp;

"We must redefine our way of life and consumption."

Climate change will fundamentally reshape life on Earth in the coming decades, even if humans can tame planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, according to a landmark draft report from the UN's climate science advisors obtained by AFP.

Climate change will fundamentally reshape life on Earth in the coming decades, even if humans can tame planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, according to a landmark draft report from the UN's climate science advisors obtained by AFP. Species extinction, more widespread disease, unliveable heat, ecosystem collapse, cities menaced by rising seas -- these and other devastating climate impacts are accelerating and bound to become painfully obvious before a child born today turns 30. The choices societies make now will determine whether our species thrive or simply survives as the 21st century unfolds, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says in a draft report seen exclusively by AFP. But dangerous thresholds are closer than once thought, and dire consequences stemming from decades of unbridled carbon pollution are unavoidable in the short term. "The worst is yet to come, affecting our children's and grandchildren's lives much more than our own," the report says. By far the most comprehensive catalogue ever assembled of how climate change is upending our world, the report reads like a 4,000-page indictment of humanity's stewardship of the planet. But the document, designed to influence critical policy decisions, is not scheduled for release until February 2022 -- too late for crunch UN summits this year on climate, biodiversity and food systems, some scientists say. In response to AFP's reporting, the IPCC released a statement saying it "does not comment on the contents of draft reports while work is still ongoing". Allies into enemies The draft report comes at a time of global "eco-awakening" and serves as a reality check against a slew of ill-defined net-zero promises by governments and corporations worldwide. The challenges it highlights are systemic, woven into the very fabric of daily life. They are also deeply unfair: those least responsible for global warming will suffer disproportionately, the report makes clear. And it shows that even as we spew record amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, we are undermining the capacity of forests and oceans to absorb them, turning our greatest natural allies in the fight against warming into enemies. It warns that previous major climate shocks dramatically altered the environment and wiped out most species, raising the question of whether humanity is sowing the seeds of its own demise. "Life on Earth can recover from a drastic climate shift by evolving into new species and creating new ecosystems," it says. "Humans cannot." 'Irreversible consequences' There are at least four main takeaways in the draft report, which may be subject to minor changes in the coming months as the IPCC shifts its focus to a key executive summary for policymakers. The first is that with 1.1 degrees Celsius of warming clocked so far, the climate is already changing. A decade ago, scientists believed that limiting global warming to two degrees Celsius above mid-19th century levels would be enough to safeguard our future. That goal is enshrined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, adopted by nearly 200 nations who vowed to collectively cap warming at "well below" two degrees Celsius -- and 1.5 degrees if possible. On current trends, we're heading for three degrees Celsius at best. Earlier models predicted we were not likely to see Earth-altering climate change before 2100. But the UN draft report says that prolonged warming even beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius could produce "progressively serious, centuries' long and, in some cases, irreversible consequences". Last month, the World Meteorological Organization projected a 40 percent chance that Earth will cross the 1.5-degree threshold for at least one year by 2026. Also Read | Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual For some plants and animals, it could be too late. "Even at 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, conditions will change beyond many organisms' ability to adapt," the report notes. Coral reefs -- ecosystems on which half a billion people depend -- are one example. Indigenous populations in the Arctic face cultural extinction as the environment upon which their livelihoods and history are built melts beneath their snow shoes. A warming world has also increased the length of fire seasons, doubled potential burnable areas, and contributed to food systems losses. Get ready The world must face up to this reality and prepare for the onslaught -- a second major takeaway of the report. "Current levels of adaptation will be inadequate to respond to future climate risks," it cautions. Mid-century projections -- even under an optimistic scenario of two degrees Celsius of warming -- make this an understatement. Tens of millions more people are likely to face chronic hunger by 2050, and 130 million more could experience extreme poverty within a decade if inequality is allowed to deepen. In 2050, coastal cities on the "frontline" of the climate crisis will see hundreds of millions of people at risk from floods and increasingly frequent storm surges made more deadly by rising seas. Some 350 million more people living in urban areas will be exposed to water scarcity from severe droughts at 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming -- 410 million at two degrees Celsius. That extra half-a-degree will also mean 420 million more people exposed to extreme and potentially lethal heatwaves. "Adaptation costs for Africa are projected to increase by tens of billions of dollars per year with warming greater than two degrees," the report cautions. Point of no return Thirdly, the report outlines the danger of compound and cascading impacts, along with point-of-no-return thresholds in the climate system known as tipping points, which scientists have barely begun to measure and understand. A dozen temperature tripwires have now been identified in the climate system for irreversible and potentially catastrophic change. Recent research has shown that warming of two degrees Celsius could push the melting of ice sheets atop Greenland and the West Antarctic -- with enough frozen water to lift oceans 13 metres (43 feet) -- past a point of no return. Other tipping points could see the Amazon basin morph from tropical forest to savannah, and billions of tonnes of carbon leech from Siberia's permafrost, fuelling further warming. In the more immediate future, some regions -- eastern Brazil, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, central China -- and coastlines almost everywhere could be battered by multiple climate calamities at once: drought, heatwaves, cyclones, wildfires, flooding. But global warming impacts are also amplified by all the other ways that humanity has shattered Earth's equilibrium. These include "losses of habitat and resilience, over-exploitation, water extraction, pollution, invasive non-native species and dispersal of pests and diseases," the report says. There is no easy solution to such a tangle of problems, said Nicholas Stern, former chief economist at the World Bank and author of the landmark Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change. "The world is confronting a complex set of interwoven challenges," said Stern, who did not contribute to the IPCC report. "Unless you tackle them together, you are not going to do very well on any of them." 'Transformational change' There is very little good news in the report, but the IPCC stresses that much can be done to avoid worst-case scenarios and prepare for impacts that can no longer be averted, the final takeaway. Conservation and restoration of so-called blue carbon ecosystems -- kelp and mangrove forests, for example -- enhance carbon stocks and protect against storm surges, as well as providing wildlife habitats, coastal livelihoods and food security. Transitioning to more plant-based diets could also reduce food-related emissions by as much as 70 per cent by 2050. But simply swapping a gas guzzler for a Tesla or planting billions of trees to offset business-as-usual isn't going to cut it, the report warns. "We need transformational change operating on processes and behaviours at all levels: individual, communities, business, institutions and governments," it says. "We must redefine our way of life and consumption."

Crushing climate impacts to hit sooner than feared: Draft UN report

Sudan&nbsp;asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said.

Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while the two downstream countries - Egypt and&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;- are concerned about it and seeking a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam.

Egypt relies on the Nile River for as much as 90% of its fresh water and sees the dam as an existential threat.&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;is concerned about the operation of its own Nile dams and water stations.

Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi called on the Security Council to hold a session as soon as possible to discuss GERD and "its impact on the safety and security of millions of people", the government statement said.

In a letter to the council head, she called on him to urge Ethiopia to stop the "unilateral" filling of the dam "which exacerbates the dispute and poses a threat to regional and international peace and security", the statement added.

Ethiopian officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

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Sudan&nbsp;and Egypt had already agreed this month to work together on all levels to push Ethiopia to negotiate "seriously" on an agreement after African Union-sponsored talks remained deadlocked. The two countries called on the international community to intervene.

Earlier this month, Arab states called on the Security Council to discuss the dispute and Ethiopia's plans to go ahead with the second filling of the dam this summer even without an agreement with&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;and Egypt.

Ethiopia rejected the Arab League resolution in its entirety, its Foreign Ministry said.

Arab League envoy to the UN, Maged Abdel Fattah, said on Tuesday evening that&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;and Egypt are working on a draft resolution to the Security Council on GERD if Ethiopia doesn't reach a deal.

Arab states will lobby for the draft resolution to be approved, he told the Egyptian private TV channel Sada Elbalad, adding that he doesn't expect world powers to block it.

Ethiopia previously rejected calls from Egypt and&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;to involve mediators outside the African Union.

Sudan&nbsp;said earlier in June that it was open to a partial interim agreement on the multibillion-dollar dam, with specific conditions.

Sudan asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said.

Sudan asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said. Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while the two downstream countries - Egypt and Sudan - are concerned about it and seeking a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. Egypt relies on the Nile River for as much as 90% of its fresh water and sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan is concerned about the operation of its own Nile dams and water stations. Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi called on the Security Council to hold a session as soon as possible to discuss GERD and "its impact on the safety and security of millions of people", the government statement said. In a letter to the council head, she called on him to urge Ethiopia to stop the "unilateral" filling of the dam "which exacerbates the dispute and poses a threat to regional and international peace and security", the statement added. Ethiopian officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Also Read | Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual Sudan and Egypt had already agreed this month to work together on all levels to push Ethiopia to negotiate "seriously" on an agreement after African Union-sponsored talks remained deadlocked. The two countries called on the international community to intervene. Earlier this month, Arab states called on the Security Council to discuss the dispute and Ethiopia's plans to go ahead with the second filling of the dam this summer even without an agreement with Sudan and Egypt. Ethiopia rejected the Arab League resolution in its entirety, its Foreign Ministry said. Arab League envoy to the UN, Maged Abdel Fattah, said on Tuesday evening that Sudan and Egypt are working on a draft resolution to the Security Council on GERD if Ethiopia doesn't reach a deal. Arab states will lobby for the draft resolution to be approved, he told the Egyptian private TV channel Sada Elbalad, adding that he doesn't expect world powers to block it. Ethiopia previously rejected calls from Egypt and Sudan to involve mediators outside the African Union. Sudan said earlier in June that it was open to a partial interim agreement on the multibillion-dollar dam, with specific conditions.

Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's Blue Nile dam

Several Western countries voiced alarm at UN over human rights violations in Eritrea focussing on alleged abuses by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region.

The new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council, and his concerns were echoed by a long line of national representatives.

He said that there was no sign of improvement to the country's rights situation. He pointed at arbitrary and incommunicado detention, inhumane prison conditions, lack of basic freedoms, and indefinite military service, where conscripts are subjected to forced labour and sexual violence.

And with Eritrea's incursion into neighbouring Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, it had extended its long-criticised abuses "extra-territorially", Babikar said.

Eritrea, an impoverished country in the Horn of Africa, is one of the world's most repressive states, according to rights groups, despite a surprise 2018 peace deal with longtime foe Ethiopia.

The rapprochement ended a two-decade war, but also paved the way for the Eritrean military to join in when the&nbsp; 
Ethiopian government last November sent troops into Tigray to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's former ruling party and bitter enemy of Eritrea.

Eritrean troops stand accused of massacring civilians and forcing &nbsp;Eritrean refugees back across the border, according to rights groups.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several Western countries voiced alarm at UN over human rights violations in Eritrea focussing on alleged abuses by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council, and his concerns were echoed by a long line of national representatives.

Several Western countries voiced alarm at UN over human rights violations in Eritrea focussing on alleged abuses by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The new UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, painted a bleak picture in his first report to the council, and his concerns were echoed by a long line of national representatives. He said that there was no sign of improvement to the country's rights situation. He pointed at arbitrary and incommunicado detention, inhumane prison conditions, lack of basic freedoms, and indefinite military service, where conscripts are subjected to forced labour and sexual violence. And with Eritrea's incursion into neighbouring Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, it had extended its long-criticised abuses "extra-territorially", Babikar said. Eritrea, an impoverished country in the Horn of Africa, is one of the world's most repressive states, according to rights groups, despite a surprise 2018 peace deal with longtime foe Ethiopia. The rapprochement ended a two-decade war, but also paved the way for the Eritrean military to join in when the Ethiopian government last November sent troops into Tigray to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's former ruling party and bitter enemy of Eritrea. Eritrean troops stand accused of massacring civilians and forcing Eritrean refugees back across the border, according to rights groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Eritrea condemned at UN over Tigray abuses

India has slammed UN special rapporteurs who have criticised the new IT rules announced in February. In a strongly worded rebuttal, the Indian mission in Geneva highlighted that "India's democratic credentials are well recognised" and "right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under the Indian Constitution".

India responds to UN on new IT rules

The three weeks long UN subsidiary bodies meeting has finally concluded with little progress on a series of key issues. Aimed at clearing decks ahead of the COP26 gathering in Glasgow in November, the meeting was hindered by several factors including technical glitches, and multiple time zones.

The three weeks long UN subsidiary bodies meeting has finally concluded with little progress on a series of key issues. Aimed at clearing decks ahead of the COP26 gathering in Glasgow in November, the meeting was hindered by several factors including technical glitches, and multiple time zones. Ministers from 40 countries will meet in July to take the process forward. Various developing nations are worried that a lack of vaccines may hinder their ability to take part in the Glasgow conference. However, the UK said that it will ensure that all accredited delegates will get their jabs ahead of the summit. UK minister Alok Sharma, who will be chairing the global gathering, told a news conference that the delegates who are unable to get jabs from their own countries "will get support from us". Also Read | World Environment School is geared toward shaping a future generation for a green planet Despite an extended session, various issues remained unresolved. Quamrul Chowdhury, a climate negotiator from Bangladesh, was quoted by BBC saying that, "I think this was technically challenging for many parties, connectivity problems compounded and complicated the trust deficits that exist". He added, "Even the low hanging fruits couldn't be harvested". To move forward, the process will require ministerial intervention. Ambassador Diann Black-Layne of Antigua and Barbuda, who is a lead negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States, was quoted by BBC saying that, "Covid-19 remains a serious concern for many of us, and travel restrictions continue for many countries". She added, "A significant portion of our membership face onerous travel restrictions regardless of their personal vaccination status. Some islands in the Pacific have just two flights per month, with one month of quarantine, while other islands still have closed borders. This will not change unless their entire populations have vaccine access".

UN subsidiary bodies meeting makes little progress on key issues

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi. 
 
The General Assembly adopted a resolution with the support of 119 countries several months after the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in a February&nbsp;1 coup. Belarus requested the text be put to a vote and was the only country to oppose it, while 36 abstained, including China and Russia. 
 
"The risk of a large-scale civil war is real," UN&nbsp;special envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener told the General Assembly after the vote. "Time is of the essence. The opportunity to reverse the military takeover is narrowing." 
 
Some countries, which abstained, said the crisis was an internal issue for Myanmar, others did not think the resolution would be helpful, while some states complained it did not adequately address the plight of Rohingya Muslims some four years after a military crackdown forced nearly a million to flee Myanmar. 
 
European Union UN&nbsp;Ambassador Olof Skoog said the UN&nbsp;resolution sends a powerful message: "It delegitimises the military junta, condemns its abuse and violence against its own people and demonstrates its isolation in the eyes of the world." 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier on Friday pushed the General Assembly to act, telling reporters: "We cannot live in a world where military coups become a norm. It is totally unacceptable." 
 
The military cited the government's refusal to address what it said was fraud in a November election as the reason for the coup. International observers have said the ballot was fair. 
 
An initial draft UN&nbsp;resolution included stronger language calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. According to a proposal last month, nine Southeast Asian countries wanted that language removed. 
 
The compromise text 'calls on all member states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar'. 
 
General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has veto power in the General Assembly. 
 
The junta's forces have killed more than 860 people since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The junta says the number is much lower. 
 
The UN&nbsp;resolution calls on the Myanmar military to 'immediately stop all violence against peaceful protesters' and end restrictions on the internet and social media. 
 
The General Assembly also called on Myanmar to swiftly implement a five-point consensus the junta forged with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. 
 
ASEAN has led the main diplomatic effort to find a way out of the crisis, but was split on Friday over the UN&nbsp;action. 
 
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who speaks for the country's elected civilian government, voted yes, while Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand abstained. 
 
Kyaw Moe Tun said he was disappointed it took so long for the General Assembly to adopt a 'watered down' resolution, adding: "It is critically important that no country should support the military."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The General Assembly adopted a resolution with the support of 119 countries several months after the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in a February 1 coup. Belarus requested the text be put to a vote and was the only country to oppose it, while 36 abstained, including China and Russia. "The risk of a large-scale civil war is real," UN special envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener told the General Assembly after the vote. "Time is of the essence. The opportunity to reverse the military takeover is narrowing." Some countries, which abstained, said the crisis was an internal issue for Myanmar, others did not think the resolution would be helpful, while some states complained it did not adequately address the plight of Rohingya Muslims some four years after a military crackdown forced nearly a million to flee Myanmar. European Union UN Ambassador Olof Skoog said the UN resolution sends a powerful message: "It delegitimises the military junta, condemns its abuse and violence against its own people and demonstrates its isolation in the eyes of the world." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier on Friday pushed the General Assembly to act, telling reporters: "We cannot live in a world where military coups become a norm. It is totally unacceptable." The military cited the government's refusal to address what it said was fraud in a November election as the reason for the coup. International observers have said the ballot was fair. An initial draft UN resolution included stronger language calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. According to a proposal last month, nine Southeast Asian countries wanted that language removed. The compromise text 'calls on all member states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar'. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has veto power in the General Assembly. The junta's forces have killed more than 860 people since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The junta says the number is much lower. The UN resolution calls on the Myanmar military to 'immediately stop all violence against peaceful protesters' and end restrictions on the internet and social media. The General Assembly also called on Myanmar to swiftly implement a five-point consensus the junta forged with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. ASEAN has led the main diplomatic effort to find a way out of the crisis, but was split on Friday over the UN action. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar's UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who speaks for the country's elected civilian government, voted yes, while Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand abstained. Kyaw Moe Tun said he was disappointed it took so long for the General Assembly to adopt a 'watered down' resolution, adding: "It is critically important that no country should support the military." (With inputs from agencies)

United Nations calls for halt of weapons to Myanmar

Nepal has stepped into a new journey as it qualified to graduate into a developing nation from a Least Developed Country (LDC) without meeting the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) criterion.&nbsp;

The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP) recommended the graduation to the Himalayan Nation in its final evaluation on Friday.

Highlighting it as a 'unique case', Amrit Rai,&nbsp;Chief of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations said,&nbsp;"As the first country to graduate from the LDC category without meeting the GNI criterion, Nepal's graduation will be a unique case. Yet, we are determined to make it as smooth and sustainable as possible."

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Earlier, on June 09, the Chief of the Permanent Mission of Nepal had informed that the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has given consent to present the proposal in the upcoming UNGA for endorsement.&nbsp;

"At its Management Segment, the ECOSOC endorsed CDP's recommendation for Nepal’s graduation from the LDC category. For Nepal, LDC graduation means an important stepping stone towards realizing national ambition of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali", Rai had earlier said.&nbsp;

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The recommendation was made in the triennial review of the&nbsp;United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP), held from February 22 to 26, 2021. This decision was made keeping in mind that Nepal had&nbsp;met the criteria for graduation for three consecutive reviews.

Nepal met two out of three thresholds to become eligible for graduation. The three indices considered by the CDP are&nbsp;GNI per capita, Human Assets Index (HAI), and Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI).

"Nepal must seize the opportunity of LDC graduation to recover lost momentum on the Global Goals and make important strides forward in the Decade for Action. The UN is committed to leave no LDC behind," UN Country Team Nepal said in a tweet.&nbsp;

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Considering the setback Nepal's economy faced after 2015, the CDP deferred Nepal's graduation ceremony in 2018, even though the South Asian country had already met the graduation criteria in 2015.

Further, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and based on the request of the Government of Nepal, the normal preparatory period of three years has been extended to five.&nbsp;The preparatory period of five years is given to provide adequate time for a smooth transition during which Nepal will offset the loss of support measures exclusive to the LDCs.

Nepal will continue to have access to all LDC-specific support measures until 2026.&nbsp;

In addition to Nepal, Bangladesh and Lao People's Democratic Republic have also been recommended for graduation by the CDP.

Earlier, in a press conference, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that Nepal has been recommended for upgrading from underdeveloped to developing countries and that economic growth is promising before the onset of the pandemic.

"For the first time, the export trade has crossed the one trillion target, the trade deficit is declining. Employment opportunities are increasing in the country and the outflow of labor is decreasing," Oli said.

Nepal has stepped into a new journey as it qualified to graduate into a developing nation from a Least Developed Country (LDC) without meeting the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) criterion.

Nepal has stepped into a new journey as it qualified to graduate into a developing nation from a Least Developed Country (LDC) without meeting the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) criterion. The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP) recommended the graduation to the Himalayan Nation in its final evaluation on Friday. Highlighting it as a 'unique case', Amrit Rai, Chief of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations said, "As the first country to graduate from the LDC category without meeting the GNI criterion, Nepal's graduation will be a unique case. Yet, we are determined to make it as smooth and sustainable as possible." Also read | Supreme Court has no right to appoint PM, says Nepal's KP Sharma Oli Earlier, on June 09, the Chief of the Permanent Mission of Nepal had informed that the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has given consent to present the proposal in the upcoming UNGA for endorsement. "At its Management Segment, the ECOSOC endorsed CDP's recommendation for Nepal’s graduation from the LDC category. For Nepal, LDC graduation means an important stepping stone towards realizing national ambition of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali", Rai had earlier said. Also read | Nepal former PM Khanal taken to Delhi’s Apollo Hospital, issues statement The recommendation was made in the triennial review of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP), held from February 22 to 26, 2021. This decision was made keeping in mind that Nepal had met the criteria for graduation for three consecutive reviews. Nepal met two out of three thresholds to become eligible for graduation. The three indices considered by the CDP are GNI per capita, Human Assets Index (HAI), and Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI). "Nepal must seize the opportunity of LDC graduation to recover lost momentum on the Global Goals and make important strides forward in the Decade for Action. The UN is committed to leave no LDC behind," UN Country Team Nepal said in a tweet. Also read | UK MP urges government to help Nepal fight COVID-19 crisis Considering the setback Nepal's economy faced after 2015, the CDP deferred Nepal's graduation ceremony in 2018, even though the South Asian country had already met the graduation criteria in 2015. Further, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and based on the request of the Government of Nepal, the normal preparatory period of three years has been extended to five. The preparatory period of five years is given to provide adequate time for a smooth transition during which Nepal will offset the loss of support measures exclusive to the LDCs. Nepal will continue to have access to all LDC-specific support measures until 2026. In addition to Nepal, Bangladesh and Lao People's Democratic Republic have also been recommended for graduation by the CDP. Earlier, in a press conference, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that Nepal has been recommended for upgrading from underdeveloped to developing countries and that economic growth is promising before the onset of the pandemic. "For the first time, the export trade has crossed the one trillion target, the trade deficit is declining. Employment opportunities are increasing in the country and the outflow of labor is decreasing," Oli said.

Becoming a developing nation: Nepal graduates from UN’s least developed country status

The number of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and human rights abuses has doubled in the past decade to reach 82.4 million at the end of last year, the United Nations said on Friday.

"In the year of COVID, in a year in which movement was practically impossible for most of us... 3 million more people have been forcibly displaced," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told Reuters.

Nearly 70 per cent of those affected are from just five countries - Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar - according to the annual report on forced displacement by the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR.

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"Trends have unfortunately continued. So if we had to work to update the figures... for the first six months of 2021, we will probably see a further increase from that 82.4 million," said Grandi. Around 42 per cent of those displaced were children.

He said the increase in those uprooted from their homes was partly fueled by new flashpoints, including northern Mozambique, West Africa's Sahel region, and Ethiopia's Tigray, along with flare-ups in long-running conflicts in Afghanistan and Somalia.

The United Nations is also preparing for a likely further displacement of civilians in Afghanistan after US&nbsp;and international troops leave the country in September, Grandi said&nbsp;earlier this week.

Amid a rise in populism and nationalism in global politics, Grandi called on world leaders to "stop demonizing people" that are forced to move.

"To say that the only way to address this population flow is by building walls or pushing people back at sea is morally despicable or unspeakable. These are human beings," Grandi said. "Whatever the motive for the flight or for the movement human beings deserve full dignity like everybody else."

Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump took a hardline approach on border security and immigration. Grandi, who recently visited Washington, praised new President Joe Biden's pledge to "restore a US asylum system that is both effective and humane."

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"It's very important that that pledge is carried out," he said. "The attitude that I heard in Washington is people that are in need of international protection will be given international protection, but we must make the system more effective otherwise abuses will happen, numbers will skyrocket."

The UNHCR report found that in 2020 just 34,400 refugees were formally resettled globally - one-third of the previous year. They were resettled in the United States,&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;and Europe.

The number of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and human rights abuses has doubled in the past decade to reach 82.4 million at the end of last year, the United Nations said on Friday.

The number of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and human rights abuses has doubled in the past decade to reach 82.4 million at the end of last year, the United Nations said on Friday. "In the year of COVID, in a year in which movement was practically impossible for most of us... 3 million more people have been forcibly displaced," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told Reuters. Nearly 70 per cent of those affected are from just five countries - Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar - according to the annual report on forced displacement by the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR. Also read | US speeds visas for vulnerable Afghans as pullout looms, but Congress wants more "Trends have unfortunately continued. So if we had to work to update the figures... for the first six months of 2021, we will probably see a further increase from that 82.4 million," said Grandi. Around 42 per cent of those displaced were children. He said the increase in those uprooted from their homes was partly fueled by new flashpoints, including northern Mozambique, West Africa's Sahel region, and Ethiopia's Tigray, along with flare-ups in long-running conflicts in Afghanistan and Somalia. The United Nations is also preparing for a likely further displacement of civilians in Afghanistan after US and international troops leave the country in September, Grandi said earlier this week. Amid a rise in populism and nationalism in global politics, Grandi called on world leaders to "stop demonizing people" that are forced to move. "To say that the only way to address this population flow is by building walls or pushing people back at sea is morally despicable or unspeakable. These are human beings," Grandi said. "Whatever the motive for the flight or for the movement human beings deserve full dignity like everybody else." Former US President Donald Trump took a hardline approach on border security and immigration. Grandi, who recently visited Washington, praised new President Joe Biden's pledge to "restore a US asylum system that is both effective and humane." Also read | Biden to allow up to 62,500 refugees into US after criticism over delay "It's very important that that pledge is carried out," he said. "The attitude that I heard in Washington is people that are in need of international protection will be given international protection, but we must make the system more effective otherwise abuses will happen, numbers will skyrocket." The UNHCR report found that in 2020 just 34,400 refugees were formally resettled globally - one-third of the previous year. They were resettled in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Amid pandemic, number of people forced to flee homes has risen, says UN

Outgoing UN&nbsp;aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'. 
 
"These sporadic, small-scale, charitable handouts from rich countries to poor countries is not a serious plan and it will not bring the pandemic to an end," Lowcock, who steps down on Friday, said. "The G7, essentially, completely failed to show the necessary urgency." 
 
The leaders of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada met in Cornwall, England over the weekend and also agreed to work with the private sector, the Group of 20 industrialised nations and other countries to increase the vaccine contribution over months to come. 
 
"They took a small step - at that very, very nice resort in Cornwall - but they shouldn't kid themselves it's more than a small step and they have still have a lot to do," Lowcock said. 
 
"What the world needed from the G7 was a plan to vaccinate the world. And what we got was a plan to vaccinate about 10% of the population of low and middle income countries, maybe by a year from now or the second half of next year," he said. 
 
In May, the International Monetary Fund unveiled a $50 billion proposal to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and at least 60% by the first half of 2022. 
 
"That is the deal of the century," said Lowcock, adding that the G7 could also have done a lot more to provide vital supplies, such as oxygen ventilators, testing kits and protective equipment, to countries, who are going to have to wait longer for vaccines. 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged world leaders to act with more urgency, warning that if developing countries were not vaccinated quickly, the virus would continue to mutate and could become immune to inoculation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Outgoing UN aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'.

Outgoing UN aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'. "These sporadic, small-scale, charitable handouts from rich countries to poor countries is not a serious plan and it will not bring the pandemic to an end," Lowcock, who steps down on Friday, said. "The G7, essentially, completely failed to show the necessary urgency." The leaders of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada met in Cornwall, England over the weekend and also agreed to work with the private sector, the Group of 20 industrialised nations and other countries to increase the vaccine contribution over months to come. "They took a small step - at that very, very nice resort in Cornwall - but they shouldn't kid themselves it's more than a small step and they have still have a lot to do," Lowcock said. "What the world needed from the G7 was a plan to vaccinate the world. And what we got was a plan to vaccinate about 10% of the population of low and middle income countries, maybe by a year from now or the second half of next year," he said. In May, the International Monetary Fund unveiled a $50 billion proposal to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and at least 60% by the first half of 2022. "That is the deal of the century," said Lowcock, adding that the G7 could also have done a lot more to provide vital supplies, such as oxygen ventilators, testing kits and protective equipment, to countries, who are going to have to wait longer for vaccines. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged world leaders to act with more urgency, warning that if developing countries were not vaccinated quickly, the virus would continue to mutate and could become immune to inoculation. (With inputs from agencies)

Outgoing UN aid chief slams G7 for failing on vaccine plan

The trial of Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was set to start on Monday, as the junta that overthrew her elected government rejected criticism by the UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights over its use of deadly force against protesters. 
 
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the junta seized power on February&nbsp;1 and detained Suu Kyi and other senior members of her party, unleashing daily protests and fighting between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias. 
 
Suu Kyi, 75, is due to face trial on Monday on charges of breaching coronavirus regulations while campaigning for the election she won last November and also for possession of unlicensed walkie-talkies. 
 
The first trial is expected to run until the end of July, her lawyer said. 
 
Nobel laureate Suu Kyi also faces other more serious charges including intent to incite, breaching the official secrets act and charges for accepting $600,000 and 11.4 kg worth of gold from Yangon's former chief minister. 
 
Her legal team have denied any wrong doing by Suu Kyi and her chief lawyer Khin Maung Zaw called the most recent corruption charges 'absurd'. 
 
Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director, Human Rights Watch, said in a statement the charges Suu Kyi faced 'are bogus, and politically motivated' and 'should be dropped, resulting in her immediate and unconditional release'.

Pro-democracy supporters took to the streets of the main city of Yangon on Monday, some chanting 'revolutionary war, we participate', according to social media posts. 
 
Some activists said they planned to stage a series of strikes and protests on Monday to coincide with the birthday of Che Guevara, a Latin American revolutionary, who became an international icon after his death.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Friday that violence was intensifying and condemned the army's 'outrageous' use of heavy weapons. 
 
Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. 
 
In a press release, Myanmar's junta-led ministry of foreign affairs rejected Bachelet's statement, questioning the accuracy and impartiality of the report. 
 
"The report neither mentioned nor condemned the acts of sabotage and terrorism committed by the unlawful associations and terrorist groups as well as the sufferings and deaths of the security forces," it said. 
 
The junta has branded a rival National Unity Government set up by supporters of Suu Kyi as a terrorist group and blamed it for bombings, arson and killings.

(With inputs from agencies)

The trial of Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was set to start on Monday, as the junta that overthrew her elected government rejected criticism by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights over its use of deadly force against protesters.

The trial of Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was set to start on Monday, as the junta that overthrew her elected government rejected criticism by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights over its use of deadly force against protesters. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the junta seized power on February 1 and detained Suu Kyi and other senior members of her party, unleashing daily protests and fighting between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias. Suu Kyi, 75, is due to face trial on Monday on charges of breaching coronavirus regulations while campaigning for the election she won last November and also for possession of unlicensed walkie-talkies. The first trial is expected to run until the end of July, her lawyer said. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi also faces other more serious charges including intent to incite, breaching the official secrets act and charges for accepting $600,000 and 11.4 kg worth of gold from Yangon's former chief minister. Her legal team have denied any wrong doing by Suu Kyi and her chief lawyer Khin Maung Zaw called the most recent corruption charges 'absurd'. Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director, Human Rights Watch, said in a statement the charges Suu Kyi faced 'are bogus, and politically motivated' and 'should be dropped, resulting in her immediate and unconditional release'. Pro-democracy supporters took to the streets of the main city of Yangon on Monday, some chanting 'revolutionary war, we participate', according to social media posts. Some activists said they planned to stage a series of strikes and protests on Monday to coincide with the birthday of Che Guevara, a Latin American revolutionary, who became an international icon after his death. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Friday that violence was intensifying and condemned the army's 'outrageous' use of heavy weapons. Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. In a press release, Myanmar's junta-led ministry of foreign affairs rejected Bachelet's statement, questioning the accuracy and impartiality of the report. "The report neither mentioned nor condemned the acts of sabotage and terrorism committed by the unlawful associations and terrorist groups as well as the sufferings and deaths of the security forces," it said. The junta has branded a rival National Unity Government set up by supporters of Suu Kyi as a terrorist group and blamed it for bombings, arson and killings. (With inputs from agencies)

Suu Kyi's trial set to start in Myanmar, junta rejects UN rights chief's statement

Iran regained its vote in the UN General Assembly on Friday after the United States enabled Tehran to use funds frozen in South Korea to pay some $16 million it owed to the world body.

Iran lost its vote in the 193-member General Assembly in January because it was more than two years in arrears. It owed a total of more than $65 million but paid the minimum amount needed to regain its vote.

"Iran has paid the minimum amount due," UN spokesman Farhan Haq said on Friday, confirming Iran could vote again.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-calls-un-voting-rights-suspension-unacceptable-389450">Iran calls UN voting rights suspension 'unacceptable'</a>

Iran says $20 billion of its oil revenue has been frozen in countries like South Korea, Iraq and China since 2018 under sanctions imposed by then-US President Donald Trump.

"Illegal US sanctions have not just deprived our people of medicine; they have also prevented Iran from paying our dues in arrears to the UN," Iran's UN Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi posted on Twitter. "After more than 6 months of working on it, the UN today announced it has received the funds."

Iran was able to vote in the General Assembly on Friday to elect five new members of the UN Security Council.

Iran's Foreign Ministry said that it had proposed to the United Nations that it could use funds frozen in South Korea to pay its dues. It said the world body followed up with the US Treasury Department to get the appropriate approvals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-host-un-nuclear-watchdog-chief-ahead-of-sanctions-deadline-365039">Iran to host UN nuclear watchdog chief ahead of sanctions deadline</a>

"The permit was recently issued and the process of withdrawing the membership fee from Iran's account in the Korean banks and transferring it to the UN account in Seoul has been paved, and this payment will be made soon," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said last week.

A spokesperson for the US Treasury Department said on Friday: "The US government typically authorizes the payment of UN dues, including through OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) general licenses and specific licenses."

The UN payment comes as US President Joe Biden's administration and Iranian officials are expected to begin their sixth round of indirect talks in Vienna this weekend about how both sides might resume compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal.

Under the deal with key world powers, Iran limited its nuclear program to make it harder to obtain fissile material for atomic weapons in return for relief from the US, European Union and UN sanctions.

However, Trump abandoned the deal in 2018, arguing it gave Tehran too much sanctions relief for too few nuclear restrictions and reimposed sanctions that slashed Iran's oil exports. Iran then retaliated about a year later by violating the limits on its nuclear program.

Iran regained its vote in the UN General Assembly on Friday after the United States enabled Tehran to use funds frozen in South Korea to pay some $16 million it owed to the world body.

Iran regained its vote in the UN General Assembly on Friday after the United States enabled Tehran to use funds frozen in South Korea to pay some $16 million it owed to the world body. Iran lost its vote in the 193-member General Assembly in January because it was more than two years in arrears. It owed a total of more than $65 million but paid the minimum amount needed to regain its vote. "Iran has paid the minimum amount due," UN spokesman Farhan Haq said on Friday, confirming Iran could vote again. Also read | Iran calls UN voting rights suspension 'unacceptable' Iran says $20 billion of its oil revenue has been frozen in countries like South Korea, Iraq and China since 2018 under sanctions imposed by then-US President Donald Trump. "Illegal US sanctions have not just deprived our people of medicine; they have also prevented Iran from paying our dues in arrears to the UN," Iran's UN Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi posted on Twitter. "After more than 6 months of working on it, the UN today announced it has received the funds." Iran was able to vote in the General Assembly on Friday to elect five new members of the UN Security Council. Iran's Foreign Ministry said that it had proposed to the United Nations that it could use funds frozen in South Korea to pay its dues. It said the world body followed up with the US Treasury Department to get the appropriate approvals. Also read | Iran to host UN nuclear watchdog chief ahead of sanctions deadline "The permit was recently issued and the process of withdrawing the membership fee from Iran's account in the Korean banks and transferring it to the UN account in Seoul has been paved, and this payment will be made soon," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said last week. A spokesperson for the US Treasury Department said on Friday: "The US government typically authorizes the payment of UN dues, including through OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) general licenses and specific licenses." The UN payment comes as US President Joe Biden's administration and Iranian officials are expected to begin their sixth round of indirect talks in Vienna this weekend about how both sides might resume compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal. Under the deal with key world powers, Iran limited its nuclear program to make it harder to obtain fissile material for atomic weapons in return for relief from the US, European Union and UN sanctions. However, Trump abandoned the deal in 2018, arguing it gave Tehran too much sanctions relief for too few nuclear restrictions and reimposed sanctions that slashed Iran's oil exports. Iran then retaliated about a year later by violating the limits on its nuclear program.

Iran regains UN vote after US enables UN payment

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday of intensifying violence in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and condemned the army's "outrageous" use of heavy weapons while urging a wider diplomatic effort to pressure the ruling generals.

Michelle Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start a dialogue with its opponents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-rapporteur-warns-of-mass-deaths-from-starvation-in-myanmar-390360">UN rapporteur warns of 'mass deaths' from starvation in Myanmar</a>

Bachelet, whose requests to visit&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in April were denied, said there were credible reports that in Kayah State, civilians were being used as human shields and the army was shelling homes and churches, which had forced more than 108,000 people to flee, with little food, water or sanitation, and humanitarian access was blocked.

"There appear to be no efforts towards de-escalation but rather a build-up of troops in key areas, contrary to the commitments the military made to ASEAN to cease the violence," Bachelet said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-hit-with-fresh-corruption-charges-390507">Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi hit with fresh corruption charges</a>

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in turmoil since a February&nbsp;1 coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, unleashing daily protests and strikes that have paralysed the economy, and fighting in borderlands between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias.

A junta spokesman did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment.

The Southeast Asian mediation effort has made little progress, with ASEAN's foreign ministers, China and Japan among several countries this week stressing the importance of the peace plan being implemented.

The United Nations, Western countries and China all back the ASEAN effort, but the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military, known as the Tatmadaw, has paid little heed to that and instead touted the progress of its own five-step plan towards a new election.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-envoys-meet-myanmar-junta-leader-to-press-for-dialogue-389555">ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue</a>

Bachelet encouraged the intensification of diplomacy, including from influential states, and said dialogue was urgently needed with all political stakeholders, including a shadow government made up of opponents of military rule.

Two ASEAN envoys visited&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;last week and met top junta officials, including military chief Min Aung Hlaing, a trip that was criticised by pro-democracy groups, who say they are being shut out.

"The international community needs to unify in its demand that the Tatmadaw cease the outrageous use of heavy artillery against civilians and civilian objects," Bachelet said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-defends-response-to-crisis-amid-southeast-asian-criticism-390094">Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism</a>

"The military leadership is singularly responsible for this crisis, and must be held to account."

She also said newly formed civilian forces, known as People's Defence Forces, and other armed groups, must take all measures to keep civilians away from harm.

Bachelet also said she was deeply troubled by detentions and reports or torture.

According to the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 5,965 people been arrested since the coup. Of those, 4,804 remain in prison, interrogation centres, and under house arrest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/regional-envoys-urged-myanmar-junta-to-free-prisoners-follow-agreement-389887">Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement</a>

At least 860 people have been killed, 22 of those from torture during detention, the AAPP.

The junta has branded its opponents' terrorists and outlawed many organisations, including the AAPP.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday of intensifying violence in Myanmar and condemned the army's "outrageous" use of heavy weapons while urging a wider diplomatic effort to pressure the ruling generals.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday of intensifying violence in Myanmar and condemned the army's "outrageous" use of heavy weapons while urging a wider diplomatic effort to pressure the ruling generals. Michelle Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start a dialogue with its opponents. Also read | UN rapporteur warns of 'mass deaths' from starvation in Myanmar Bachelet, whose requests to visit Myanmar in April were denied, said there were credible reports that in Kayah State, civilians were being used as human shields and the army was shelling homes and churches, which had forced more than 108,000 people to flee, with little food, water or sanitation, and humanitarian access was blocked. "There appear to be no efforts towards de-escalation but rather a build-up of troops in key areas, contrary to the commitments the military made to ASEAN to cease the violence," Bachelet said in a statement. Also read | Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi hit with fresh corruption charges Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 1 coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, unleashing daily protests and strikes that have paralysed the economy, and fighting in borderlands between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias. A junta spokesman did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment. The Southeast Asian mediation effort has made little progress, with ASEAN's foreign ministers, China and Japan among several countries this week stressing the importance of the peace plan being implemented. The United Nations, Western countries and China all back the ASEAN effort, but the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, has paid little heed to that and instead touted the progress of its own five-step plan towards a new election. Also read | ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue Bachelet encouraged the intensification of diplomacy, including from influential states, and said dialogue was urgently needed with all political stakeholders, including a shadow government made up of opponents of military rule. Two ASEAN envoys visited Myanmar last week and met top junta officials, including military chief Min Aung Hlaing, a trip that was criticised by pro-democracy groups, who say they are being shut out. "The international community needs to unify in its demand that the Tatmadaw cease the outrageous use of heavy artillery against civilians and civilian objects," Bachelet said. Also read | Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism "The military leadership is singularly responsible for this crisis, and must be held to account." She also said newly formed civilian forces, known as People's Defence Forces, and other armed groups, must take all measures to keep civilians away from harm. Bachelet also said she was deeply troubled by detentions and reports or torture. According to the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 5,965 people been arrested since the coup. Of those, 4,804 remain in prison, interrogation centres, and under house arrest. Also read | Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement At least 860 people have been killed, 22 of those from torture during detention, the AAPP. The junta has branded its opponents' terrorists and outlawed many organisations, including the AAPP.

UN rights commissioner warns of escalating Myanmar violence

The UN's special rapporteur on human rights in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;has warned of "mass deaths" from starvation and disease in the wake of fighting between rebel groups and junta forces in the east of the coup-stricken country.

According to a local monitoring group, Myanmar&nbsp;has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the February putsch and a brutal military crackdown on dissent that has killed over 800.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/clashes-spread-to-myanmars-ayeyarwady-delta-several-killed-389631">Clashes spread to Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta, several killed</a>

Fighting has flared in several communities, especially in townships that have seen a high death toll at the hands of police, and some locals have formed "defence forces".

Clashes have escalated in Kayah state near the Thai border in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Locals have accused the military of firing artillery shells that have landed near villages and the UN estimates around 100,000 people have been displaced.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-defends-response-to-crisis-amid-southeast-asian-criticism-390094">Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism</a>

"The junta's brutal, indiscriminate attacks are threatening the lives of many thousands of men, women and children in Kayah state", Tom Andrews said in a statement posted on Twitter Tuesday.

"Let me be blunt. Mass deaths from starvation, disease, and exposure, on a scale we have not yet seen... could occur in Kayah state absent immediate action."

AFP images from Kayah state have shown villagers manufacturing guns in makeshift factories as local defence groups go up against&nbsp;Myanmar's battle-hardened military.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/regional-envoys-urged-myanmar-junta-to-free-prisoners-follow-agreement-389887">Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement</a>

Diplomatic efforts to halt the bloodshed have been led&nbsp;by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;is a member, but the bloc is riven with infighting and has managed to put little&nbsp;pressure on the junta.

In April, an emergency summit produced a "five-point consensus" statement that called for an immediate halt to violence and a visit to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;by a special envoy.

But a special envoy has yet to be appointed, and violence has continued across the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thailand-concerned-at-myanmar-violence-389716">Thailand concerned at Myanmar violence</a>

China, which enjoys exceptional leverage over&nbsp;Myanmar, has also been unwilling to condemn the junta and has refused to label its power-grab a coup.

Its foreign minister Wang Yi said Tuesday that Beijing's policy towards its neighbour "is not affected by changes to&nbsp;Myanmar's domestic and external situation."

"China has supported, is supporting and will support&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in choosing a development path that suits its own circumstances," Wang said at a meeting with junta-appointed foreign minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Chongqing.

The UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has warned of "mass deaths" from starvation and disease in the wake of fighting between rebel groups and junta forces in the east of the coup-stricken country.

The UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has warned of "mass deaths" from starvation and disease in the wake of fighting between rebel groups and junta forces in the east of the coup-stricken country. According to a local monitoring group, Myanmar has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the February putsch and a brutal military crackdown on dissent that has killed over 800. Also read | Clashes spread to Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta, several killed Fighting has flared in several communities, especially in townships that have seen a high death toll at the hands of police, and some locals have formed "defence forces". Clashes have escalated in Kayah state near the Thai border in recent weeks. Locals have accused the military of firing artillery shells that have landed near villages and the UN estimates around 100,000 people have been displaced. Also read | Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism "The junta's brutal, indiscriminate attacks are threatening the lives of many thousands of men, women and children in Kayah state", Tom Andrews said in a statement posted on Twitter Tuesday. "Let me be blunt. Mass deaths from starvation, disease, and exposure, on a scale we have not yet seen... could occur in Kayah state absent immediate action." AFP images from Kayah state have shown villagers manufacturing guns in makeshift factories as local defence groups go up against Myanmar's battle-hardened military. Also read | Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement Diplomatic efforts to halt the bloodshed have been led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is a member, but the bloc is riven with infighting and has managed to put little pressure on the junta. In April, an emergency summit produced a "five-point consensus" statement that called for an immediate halt to violence and a visit to Myanmar by a special envoy. But a special envoy has yet to be appointed, and violence has continued across the country. Also read | Thailand concerned at Myanmar violence China, which enjoys exceptional leverage over Myanmar, has also been unwilling to condemn the junta and has refused to label its power-grab a coup. Its foreign minister Wang Yi said Tuesday that Beijing's policy towards its neighbour "is not affected by changes to Myanmar's domestic and external situation." "China has supported, is supporting and will support Myanmar in choosing a development path that suits its own circumstances," Wang said at a meeting with junta-appointed foreign minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Chongqing.

UN rapporteur warns of 'mass deaths' from starvation in Myanmar

The president of United Nations' upcoming global summit to tackle climate change said that the in-person summit must go ahead. He was quoted by AFP

The 26th edition of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties -- COP26 -- marks the biggest climate summit since the 2015 Paris negotiation.

COP26 will involve negotiators from 196 countries and the European Union, along with businesses, experts and world leaders, and is scheduled to start November 1 in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

"We need to have a physical event. We cannot allow any further delay," COP26 President Alok Sharma told AFP in Dhaka.

"We've already delayed COP by one year and I'm afraid that during that year climate change has not abated. In fact, last year was the hottest year on record, the last decade was the hottest on record."

Sharma said that governments around the world have backed a physical event. He added that every precaution was being taken to ensure safety of delegates and the local community

"We are looking at all Covid-secure measures, including vaccines, to deal with this particular issue."

Nations around the world committed under the 2015 Paris accord to keeping the global temperature increase to under two degrees Celsius, and ideally closer to 1.5 degrees by 2050.

The upcoming talks are crucial to meeting the target.

"This is going to be the decisive decade. And we have to act now," Sharma said.

"All countries need to come forward, set out ambitious plans to cut their emissions, but also to be carbon neutral, to be net zero emissions by the middle of the century."

(With inputs from agencies)

The president of United Nations' upcoming global summit to tackle climate change said that the in-person summit must go ahead. He was quoted by AFP The 26th edition of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties -- COP26 -- marks the biggest climate summit since the 2015 Paris negotiation.

The president of United Nations' upcoming global summit to tackle climate change said that the in-person summit must go ahead. He was quoted by AFP The 26th edition of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties -- COP26 -- marks the biggest climate summit since the 2015 Paris negotiation. COP26 will involve negotiators from 196 countries and the European Union, along with businesses, experts and world leaders, and is scheduled to start November 1 in the Scottish city of Glasgow. "We need to have a physical event. We cannot allow any further delay," COP26 President Alok Sharma told AFP in Dhaka. "We've already delayed COP by one year and I'm afraid that during that year climate change has not abated. In fact, last year was the hottest year on record, the last decade was the hottest on record." Sharma said that governments around the world have backed a physical event. He added that every precaution was being taken to ensure safety of delegates and the local community "We are looking at all Covid-secure measures, including vaccines, to deal with this particular issue." Nations around the world committed under the 2015 Paris accord to keeping the global temperature increase to under two degrees Celsius, and ideally closer to 1.5 degrees by 2050. The upcoming talks are crucial to meeting the target. "This is going to be the decisive decade. And we have to act now," Sharma said. "All countries need to come forward, set out ambitious plans to cut their emissions, but also to be carbon neutral, to be net zero emissions by the middle of the century." (With inputs from agencies)

In-person UN summit termed 'key to addressing climate concerns'

The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are 'already being put to use' and a number of these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said.

"The Indian Government' had offered us '200,000 doses' and a number of peacekeepers are already, as far as I know, being vaccinated," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, told reporters at the daily press briefing on Friday in response to a question on vaccination of UN peacekeepers.

"So, on the Indian vaccines, those, which I think were&nbsp;AstraZeneca, those were 200,000. They're already being put to use," he said. India, one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, gifted 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for UN peacekeepers across all UN missions.

As of March 31 this year, there are 87,889 personnel serving in 12 peacekeeping operations around the world. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had announced in February that India will gift vaccine doses for UN peacekeepers.

"Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers, who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them," Jaishankar had said, while addressing the UN Security Council open debate on the implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Jaishankar had said, "Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind."

The 200,000 doses essentially meant that it would be possible to administer the required double doses of COVID vaccines to all UN peacekeepers across missions.

The AstraZeneca vaccines had left Mumbai via Qatar Airways on March 27.&nbsp;The shipment went to Copenhagen, where it was safely stored in a facility, re-packaged and quickly distributed to all peacekeeping missions for the peacekeepers.

The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are 'already being put to use' and a number of these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said.

The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are 'already being put to use' and a number of these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said. "The Indian Government' had offered us '200,000 doses' and a number of peacekeepers are already, as far as I know, being vaccinated," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, told reporters at the daily press briefing on Friday in response to a question on vaccination of UN peacekeepers. "So, on the Indian vaccines, those, which I think were AstraZeneca, those were 200,000. They're already being put to use," he said. India, one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, gifted 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for UN peacekeepers across all UN missions. As of March 31 this year, there are 87,889 personnel serving in 12 peacekeeping operations around the world. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had announced in February that India will gift vaccine doses for UN peacekeepers. "Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers, who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them," Jaishankar had said, while addressing the UN Security Council open debate on the implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Jaishankar had said, "Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind." The 200,000 doses essentially meant that it would be possible to administer the required double doses of COVID vaccines to all UN peacekeepers across missions. The AstraZeneca vaccines had left Mumbai via Qatar Airways on March 27. The shipment went to Copenhagen, where it was safely stored in a facility, re-packaged and quickly distributed to all peacekeeping missions for the peacekeepers.

200,000 COVID-19 vaccines given by India for UN peacekeepers are already being put to use: UN spokesperson

Taliban insurgents show no sign of reducing the level of violence in Afghanistan to facilitate peace negotiations with the government, and appear to be trying to strengthen their military position as leverage, with the unprecedented violence of 2020 carrying into 2021, UN experts said in a new report circulated on Friday.

The panel of experts said the Taliban are reported to be responsible for the great majority of assassinations that have become a feature of the violence in Afghanistan, targeting government officials, women, human rights defenders and journalists among others.

These attacks 'appear to be undertaken with the objective of weakening the capacity of the government and intimidating civil society,' it said.

In the 22-page report to the UN&nbsp;Security Council, the panel said the withdrawal of US&nbsp;and NATO forces by September&nbsp;11, the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, 'will challenge Afghan forces by limiting aerial operations with fewer drones and radar and surveillance capabilities, less logistical support and artillery, as well as a disruption in training.'

The Taliban were ousted from power in Afghanistan in 2001 by a US-led coalition for harbouring Osama bin Laden, the architect of the September 11 attacks. A peace deal that Washington brokered with the Taliban and signed in February 2020 was aimed at bringing American troops home and ending more than four decades of relentless wars following the 1979 Afghan invasion by forces from the former Soviet Union.

Negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan representatives began last September in Doha, Qatar and continued earlier this year. But the Taliban announced on April 13, a day before President Joe Biden's announcement that all US troops would leave by September 11, that it would not take part in any conference intended to decide the future of Afghanistan until all foreign troops were gone.

The UN experts, who monitor sanctions against the Taliban, predicted more violence in the run-up to their departure. "Taliban rhetoric and reports of active Taliban preparations for the spring fighting season indicate the group is likely to increase military operations for 2021, whether or not a spring offensive is announced," they said.

The experts also questioned how Afghan forces would fare without coalition support. "Afghan forces have successfully reversed many Taliban gains with the assistance of international coalition close air support, but have done so with heavy casualty rates," they said.

"It remains to be seen how Afghan forces will perform without it." The panel of experts painted a grim picture of the violence in Afghanistan, which had been expected to decrease in 2020 but instead soared to the highest level ever recorded by the United Nations in the country, more than 25,000 incidents, a 10% increase over 2019.

Violence surged as the Doha talks began, the experts said, and incident rates in the usually calmer winter were higher than those in the spring or summer of 2020.

"Unprecedented violence over the winter carried into 2021, with 7,177 security incidents recorded countrywide between January&nbsp;1 and March 31, representing a 61 per cent increase over the same period in 2020," they said.

The panel said the number of Taliban fighters remains robust, with estimates ranging from about 58,000 to 100,000. The panel said many sources its members spoke to, which include governments, believe the Taliban used the 2020 fighting season 'to further strengthen strangleholds around several provincial capitals, seeking to shape future military operations when levels of departing foreign troops are no longer able to respond'.

While no one claimed responsibility for most assassinations, the experts said it is widely believed that approximately 85 per cent of them were carried out by the Taliban. The UN recorded an increase in reported assassinations from 780 in 2019 to 996 in 2020, the report said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban insurgents show no sign of reducing the level of violence in Afghanistan to facilitate peace negotiations with the government, and appear to be trying to strengthen their military position as leverage, with the unprecedented violence of 2020 carrying into 2021, UN experts said in a new report circulated on Friday.

Taliban insurgents show no sign of reducing the level of violence in Afghanistan to facilitate peace negotiations with the government, and appear to be trying to strengthen their military position as leverage, with the unprecedented violence of 2020 carrying into 2021, UN experts said in a new report circulated on Friday. The panel of experts said the Taliban are reported to be responsible for the great majority of assassinations that have become a feature of the violence in Afghanistan, targeting government officials, women, human rights defenders and journalists among others. These attacks 'appear to be undertaken with the objective of weakening the capacity of the government and intimidating civil society,' it said. In the 22-page report to the UN Security Council, the panel said the withdrawal of US and NATO forces by September 11, the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, 'will challenge Afghan forces by limiting aerial operations with fewer drones and radar and surveillance capabilities, less logistical support and artillery, as well as a disruption in training.' The Taliban were ousted from power in Afghanistan in 2001 by a US-led coalition for harbouring Osama bin Laden, the architect of the September 11 attacks. A peace deal that Washington brokered with the Taliban and signed in February 2020 was aimed at bringing American troops home and ending more than four decades of relentless wars following the 1979 Afghan invasion by forces from the former Soviet Union. Negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan representatives began last September in Doha, Qatar and continued earlier this year. But the Taliban announced on April 13, a day before President Joe Biden's announcement that all US troops would leave by September 11, that it would not take part in any conference intended to decide the future of Afghanistan until all foreign troops were gone. The UN experts, who monitor sanctions against the Taliban, predicted more violence in the run-up to their departure. "Taliban rhetoric and reports of active Taliban preparations for the spring fighting season indicate the group is likely to increase military operations for 2021, whether or not a spring offensive is announced," they said. The experts also questioned how Afghan forces would fare without coalition support. "Afghan forces have successfully reversed many Taliban gains with the assistance of international coalition close air support, but have done so with heavy casualty rates," they said. "It remains to be seen how Afghan forces will perform without it." The panel of experts painted a grim picture of the violence in Afghanistan, which had been expected to decrease in 2020 but instead soared to the highest level ever recorded by the United Nations in the country, more than 25,000 incidents, a 10% increase over 2019. Violence surged as the Doha talks began, the experts said, and incident rates in the usually calmer winter were higher than those in the spring or summer of 2020. "Unprecedented violence over the winter carried into 2021, with 7,177 security incidents recorded countrywide between January 1 and March 31, representing a 61 per cent increase over the same period in 2020," they said. The panel said the number of Taliban fighters remains robust, with estimates ranging from about 58,000 to 100,000. The panel said many sources its members spoke to, which include governments, believe the Taliban used the 2020 fighting season 'to further strengthen strangleholds around several provincial capitals, seeking to shape future military operations when levels of departing foreign troops are no longer able to respond'. While no one claimed responsibility for most assassinations, the experts said it is widely believed that approximately 85 per cent of them were carried out by the Taliban. The UN recorded an increase in reported assassinations from 780 in 2019 to 996 in 2020, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

UN: Unprecedented Taliban violence in 2020 carries into 2021

Ahead of the complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, a UN report on the Afghan security situation has raised alarm over the Taliban's ties with Al-Qaeda and believes that it can return to power by force if necessary.

UN report claims Taliban and Al-Qaeda remain closely aligned

Iran&nbsp;on Thursday slammed the United Nations' decision to suspend its voting rights for failing to pay its dues as "fundamentally flawed, entirely unacceptable and completely unjustified".

Tehran argues that the $16.2 million it owes to the UN is the result of Washington's crippling sanctions, imposed after former president Donald Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew the US from a nuclear deal with&nbsp;Iran.

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Iran's voting rights at the UN General Assembly were suspended in January under rules for countries whose arrears are equal to or exceed their contributions due for the past two years.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed his "strong dismay" at the loss of voting rights, in a letter sent Thursday to UN chief Antonio Guterres.

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"Iran's inability to fulfil its financial obligation toward the United Nations is directly caused by 'unlawful unilateral sanctions' imposed by the United States," Zarif wrote, according to the letter posted on his Twitter account.

Zarif said&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;rejected the suspension of its voting privileges because Tehran's "incapacity to transfer its financial contribution has been entirely beyond its control".

Guterres, in a May 28 letter to the UN General Assembly, said five nations were barred from voting due to their failure to pay arrears but added the UN could permit them to vote if it were deemed to be "due to conditions beyond the control" of the member state.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-chief-rafael-grossi-arrives-in-iran-ahead-of-us-sanctions-deadline-365182">UN nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, arrives in Iran ahead of US sanctions deadline</a>

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for Guterres, said there had been a "very intense discussion" with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to find a solution.

"It is not from lack of trying, either on our side or their side... but the country falls under a number of bilateral sanctions which makes it a bit challenging," Dujarric told reporters.

"These discussions are continuing in good faith."

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Zarif urged the UN leadership to "remain true to the purposes and principles" of the UN charter, and to "refrain from any decision that betrays the spirit of sovereign equality of member states, and weakens multilateralism."

The US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and re-imposition of sanctions led to&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;stepping up its nuclear activities.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has signalled his readiness to revive the accord, and global powers have been meeting in Vienna since early April in a bid to do so, with a fresh round of talks slated to begin next week.

Iran on Thursday slammed the United Nations' decision to suspend its voting rights for failing to pay its dues as "fundamentally flawed, entirely unacceptable and completely unjustified".

Iran on Thursday slammed the United Nations' decision to suspend its voting rights for failing to pay its dues as "fundamentally flawed, entirely unacceptable and completely unjustified". Tehran argues that the $16.2 million it owes to the UN is the result of Washington's crippling sanctions, imposed after former president Donald Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew the US from a nuclear deal with Iran. Also Read | 'If the UN does not clean it': Turkey President Erdogan threatens to target refugee camps inside Iraq Iran's voting rights at the UN General Assembly were suspended in January under rules for countries whose arrears are equal to or exceed their contributions due for the past two years. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed his "strong dismay" at the loss of voting rights, in a letter sent Thursday to UN chief Antonio Guterres. Also Read | Iran to host UN nuclear watchdog chief ahead of sanctions deadline "Iran's inability to fulfil its financial obligation toward the United Nations is directly caused by 'unlawful unilateral sanctions' imposed by the United States," Zarif wrote, according to the letter posted on his Twitter account. Zarif said Iran rejected the suspension of its voting privileges because Tehran's "incapacity to transfer its financial contribution has been entirely beyond its control". Guterres, in a May 28 letter to the UN General Assembly, said five nations were barred from voting due to their failure to pay arrears but added the UN could permit them to vote if it were deemed to be "due to conditions beyond the control" of the member state. Also Read | UN nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, arrives in Iran ahead of US sanctions deadline Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for Guterres, said there had been a "very intense discussion" with Iran to find a solution. "It is not from lack of trying, either on our side or their side... but the country falls under a number of bilateral sanctions which makes it a bit challenging," Dujarric told reporters. "These discussions are continuing in good faith." Also Read | China, Russia and Pakistan set to join UN human rights council Zarif urged the UN leadership to "remain true to the purposes and principles" of the UN charter, and to "refrain from any decision that betrays the spirit of sovereign equality of member states, and weakens multilateralism." The US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and re-imposition of sanctions led to Iran stepping up its nuclear activities. US President Joe Biden has signalled his readiness to revive the accord, and global powers have been meeting in Vienna since early April in a bid to do so, with a fresh round of talks slated to begin next week.

Iran calls UN voting rights suspension 'unacceptable'

The UN nuclear watchdog has voiced concern that Iran had not clarified queries over possible undeclared nuclear activity, adding that its enriched uranium stockpile was 16 times over the limit.

UN Nuclear watchdog concerned over undeclared Iran site

United Nations special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths reiterated his stance on Monday on reopening Yemen's ports in order to allow the flow of much-needed humanitarian aid. He is leading a global effort to secure end to fighting in Yemen. United Nations has already characterised the situation surrounding Yemen war as world's biggest humanitarian crisis.

No agreement has been reached despite all the parties agreeing to prioritise Yemen's humanitarian needs, according to Griffiths.

Houthi rebels who are fighting against the government have been demanding lifting of blockade at country's main port and airport in the capital. The Saudis, who are heading a coalition against Houthi rebels have said that a ceasefire deal must accompany reopening air and sea links. Houthis have not agreed to this.

The Houthis, who have controlled most of northern Yemen since 2014, are pressing an offensive to seize Yemen's gas-rich Marib region and have kept up cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted a Saudi-backed government from the capital Sanaa. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system and foreign aggression.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths reiterated his stance on Monday on reopening Yemen's ports in order to allow the flow of much-needed humanitarian aid.

United Nations special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths reiterated his stance on Monday on reopening Yemen's ports in order to allow the flow of much-needed humanitarian aid. He is leading a global effort to secure end to fighting in Yemen. United Nations has already characterised the situation surrounding Yemen war as world's biggest humanitarian crisis. No agreement has been reached despite all the parties agreeing to prioritise Yemen's humanitarian needs, according to Griffiths. Houthi rebels who are fighting against the government have been demanding lifting of blockade at country's main port and airport in the capital. The Saudis, who are heading a coalition against Houthi rebels have said that a ceasefire deal must accompany reopening air and sea links. Houthis have not agreed to this. The Houthis, who have controlled most of northern Yemen since 2014, are pressing an offensive to seize Yemen's gas-rich Marib region and have kept up cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted a Saudi-backed government from the capital Sanaa. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system and foreign aggression. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen: UN envoy calls for reopening of ports, ceasefire

World&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;on Sunday called for more&nbsp;action&nbsp;and&nbsp;inclusion&nbsp;of all countries in the global drive towards a cleaner and greener planet at a&nbsp;climate&nbsp;summit&nbsp;hosted virtually by South Korea.

Climate&nbsp;change is a major threat to global growth, with perils ranging from declines in crop yields, extreme weather that devastates tourist economies, disease outbreaks and other catastrophes that would sap productivity.

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South Korea, which recently announced plans to cut finance for international coal projects, is seeking a bigger role in the global initiative to go green.

"South Korea will play a responsible role as a bridging nation between developing and advanced nations," said President Moon Jae-in as he opened the 2021 Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030, or P4G,&nbsp;summit.

The two-day&nbsp;summit&nbsp;is the second of its kind following the inaugural meeting held in Copenhagen in 2018 and is focused on public-private partnerships, especially in developing countries.

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Advanced nations have laid out ambitious emissions-cutting goals in recent months, as well as plans to ultimately go carbon neutral by 2050.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on the countries to phase out their dependence on fossil fuels, warning&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change is threatening people's lives and the economy as much as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month Germany tightened its targets to reduce CO2 emissions,&nbsp;including a 65 per cent cut in emissions by 2030, after a landmark ruling by the country's top court declared a flagship&nbsp;climate&nbsp;protection law "insufficient".

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said countries must now deliver on their green pledges.

"It's a great start, but let's not pat ourselves on the back just yet because our planet and our people need more," he said.

"We need governments that will not just make promises on&nbsp;climate&nbsp;and nature but match those words with deeds."

Falling behind

World&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;committed under the 2015 Paris accord to keeping the global temperature increase to under two degrees Celsius, and ideally closer to 1.5C, by 2050.&nbsp;

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Yet many of the largest emitters have so far failed to keep up their commitments and countries have not even agreed on a unified rulebook governing how the Paris agreement works in practice.&nbsp;

The UN says that emissions must fall nearly eight per cent annually to keep 1.5C in play, equivalent to the emissions saved during the pandemic every single year through 2030.

World&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;also stressed the importance of making sure that poorer countries are not left out in the global initiative to go green.

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African countries should not be "locked up" in fossil fuels and be able to advance with the rest of the&nbsp;world, said French President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ways to draw large-scale investments in renewable energy.

"It is not a global partnership if some are left struggling to survive," added UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.&nbsp;

"Tackling&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change head-on will help protect the most vulnerable people from the next crisis while sustaining a job-rich recovery from the pandemic," he said.

The&nbsp;World&nbsp;Bank estimates that between 32 million and 132 million additional people could fall into extreme poverty by 2030 due to the effects of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change.

World leaders on Sunday called for more action and inclusion of all countries in the global drive towards a cleaner and greener planet at a climate summit hosted virtually by South Korea.

World leaders on Sunday called for more action and inclusion of all countries in the global drive towards a cleaner and greener planet at a climate summit hosted virtually by South Korea. Climate change is a major threat to global growth, with perils ranging from declines in crop yields, extreme weather that devastates tourist economies, disease outbreaks and other catastrophes that would sap productivity. Also Read | California already in throes of drought as summer looms South Korea, which recently announced plans to cut finance for international coal projects, is seeking a bigger role in the global initiative to go green. "South Korea will play a responsible role as a bridging nation between developing and advanced nations," said President Moon Jae-in as he opened the 2021 Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030, or P4G, summit. The two-day summit is the second of its kind following the inaugural meeting held in Copenhagen in 2018 and is focused on public-private partnerships, especially in developing countries. Also Read | Climate change likely contributed to one of the oldest examples of human warfare Advanced nations have laid out ambitious emissions-cutting goals in recent months, as well as plans to ultimately go carbon neutral by 2050. German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on the countries to phase out their dependence on fossil fuels, warning climate change is threatening people's lives and the economy as much as the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this month Germany tightened its targets to reduce CO2 emissions, including a 65 per cent cut in emissions by 2030, after a landmark ruling by the country's top court declared a flagship climate protection law "insufficient". Also Read | China, in nudge to US, makes a new promise to tackle global warming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said countries must now deliver on their green pledges. "It's a great start, but let's not pat ourselves on the back just yet because our planet and our people need more," he said. "We need governments that will not just make promises on climate and nature but match those words with deeds." Falling behind World leaders committed under the 2015 Paris accord to keeping the global temperature increase to under two degrees Celsius, and ideally closer to 1.5C, by 2050. Also Read | Arctic sea ice likely to vanish in summers even if Paris accord target met: Study Yet many of the largest emitters have so far failed to keep up their commitments and countries have not even agreed on a unified rulebook governing how the Paris agreement works in practice. The UN says that emissions must fall nearly eight per cent annually to keep 1.5C in play, equivalent to the emissions saved during the pandemic every single year through 2030. World leaders also stressed the importance of making sure that poorer countries are not left out in the global initiative to go green. Also Read | 'Creation is groaning': Pope Francis urges countries to follow Paris Climate Agreement African countries should not be "locked up" in fossil fuels and be able to advance with the rest of the world, said French President Emmanuel Macron, calling for ways to draw large-scale investments in renewable energy. "It is not a global partnership if some are left struggling to survive," added UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. "Tackling climate change head-on will help protect the most vulnerable people from the next crisis while sustaining a job-rich recovery from the pandemic," he said. The World Bank estimates that between 32 million and 132 million additional people could fall into extreme poverty by 2030 due to the effects of climate change.

World leaders call for action, inclusion at Seoul climate summit

The UN rights chief voiced alarm Sunday at deadly clashes in the Colombian city of Cali, calling for an independent investigation and accountability for the violence.

Pointing to reports that 14 people had died since Friday amid massive anti-government protests in&nbsp;Colombia's third-largest city, Michelle Bachelet said a swift investigation and resumption of dialogue was needed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-army-tightens-grip-on-cali-after-protests-leave-13-dead-388320">Colombian army tightens grip on Cali after protests leave 13 dead</a>

"It is essential that all those who are reportedly involved in causing injury or death, including state officials, are subject to prompt, effective, independent, impartial and transparent investigations and that those responsible are held accountable," the UN High Commissioner said in a statement.

Her comments came after the Colombian army on Saturday tightened its control over Cali, a city of 2.2 million after clashes pitted police against armed civilians.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-calls-for-dialogue-with-protest-leaders-383372">Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders</a>

The country is in the second month of protests against the government of President Ivan Duque.

Officials have said the month of protests had left at least 59 people dead, and that more than 2,300 civilians and uniformed personnel have been injured.&nbsp;

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The NGO Human Rights Watch cited "credible reports" of at least 63 deaths nationwide, and called the situation in Cali "very serious."

Bachelet's office cited reports that 14 people had been killed in Cali since Friday, and 98 had been injured, including 54 by firearms.

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The dead in Cali included an off-duty employee of the prosecutor's office who had fired his gun at two protesters blocking a street, killing one of them. Video on social media shows a crowd then pouncing on the shooter and lynching him.

The rights office also pointed to reports of private individuals firing shots at demonstrators in the presence of police officers in parts of the city.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-of-colombians-take-it-to-streets-to-protest-against-tax-increase-381328/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"These events are all the more concerning given the progress that had been made to resolve, through dialogue, the social unrest that erupted a month ago, following the start of a nation-wide strike against several social and economic policies of the government," the UN rights chief said.

"I call for an end to all forms of violence, including vandalism, and for all sides to continue talking to each other, and to ensure respect for the life and dignity of all people,” she said.

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Bachelet, a former Chilean president, stressed that only dialogue could resolve the demands of different groups on both sides.

"I welcome the commitment voiced by several actors, in Cali and at the national level, to find a negotiated and peaceful solution to the social unrest through talks," she said.

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The UN rights office also said it had received information of at least 30 people arrested in Cali since Friday, and highlighted concerns about the whereabouts of some of them.

"The fair trial and due process rights of those detained need to be ensured," Bachelet said.

She also stressed the need to take all necessary measures in line with international human rights standards to prevent disappearances.

The UN rights chief voiced alarm Sunday at deadly clashes in the Colombian city of Cali, calling for an independent investigation and accountability for the violence.

The UN rights chief voiced alarm Sunday at deadly clashes in the Colombian city of Cali, calling for an independent investigation and accountability for the violence. Pointing to reports that 14 people had died since Friday amid massive anti-government protests in Colombia's third-largest city, Michelle Bachelet said a swift investigation and resumption of dialogue was needed. Also Read | Colombian army tightens grip on Cali after protests leave 13 dead "It is essential that all those who are reportedly involved in causing injury or death, including state officials, are subject to prompt, effective, independent, impartial and transparent investigations and that those responsible are held accountable," the UN High Commissioner said in a statement. Her comments came after the Colombian army on Saturday tightened its control over Cali, a city of 2.2 million after clashes pitted police against armed civilians. Also Read | Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders The country is in the second month of protests against the government of President Ivan Duque. Officials have said the month of protests had left at least 59 people dead, and that more than 2,300 civilians and uniformed personnel have been injured. Also Read | Thousands march in Colombia in fourth day of protests against tax plan The NGO Human Rights Watch cited "credible reports" of at least 63 deaths nationwide, and called the situation in Cali "very serious." Bachelet's office cited reports that 14 people had been killed in Cali since Friday, and 98 had been injured, including 54 by firearms. Also Read | Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence The dead in Cali included an off-duty employee of the prosecutor's office who had fired his gun at two protesters blocking a street, killing one of them. Video on social media shows a crowd then pouncing on the shooter and lynching him. The rights office also pointed to reports of private individuals firing shots at demonstrators in the presence of police officers in parts of the city. "These events are all the more concerning given the progress that had been made to resolve, through dialogue, the social unrest that erupted a month ago, following the start of a nation-wide strike against several social and economic policies of the government," the UN rights chief said. "I call for an end to all forms of violence, including vandalism, and for all sides to continue talking to each other, and to ensure respect for the life and dignity of all people,” she said. Also Read | Colombia sends military to western province after four die during protests Bachelet, a former Chilean president, stressed that only dialogue could resolve the demands of different groups on both sides. "I welcome the commitment voiced by several actors, in Cali and at the national level, to find a negotiated and peaceful solution to the social unrest through talks," she said. Also Read | Locals continue demonstrations as Colombia protests complete one month The UN rights office also said it had received information of at least 30 people arrested in Cali since Friday, and highlighted concerns about the whereabouts of some of them. "The fair trial and due process rights of those detained need to be ensured," Bachelet said. She also stressed the need to take all necessary measures in line with international human rights standards to prevent disappearances.

UN rights chief urges independent probe into deaths in Colombia

The United States (US) and allies on Thursday called on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to probe Belarus plane incident in which a Rayanair plane was forced to land, reported Reuters quoting a source. Belarus denies any coercion.

The 36-nation governing council of ICAO met&nbsp;in order to examine demands for a probe. Poland, Ireland, Britain, Germany and Canada also backed the call for a probe.

On Sunday, Belarus sent fighter jet to force Athens-Vilnius (Lithuania) passenger plane to land in Belarus. A dissident onboard the plane was then detained. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The incident sparked international outrage and calls for sanctions against Belarus. Minsk accused the West of using the episode to wage "hybrid war."

Belarus told the meeting that the airliner had not been forced down.

The plane was ordered to land minutes before it was due to leave Belarusian airspace.

Lithuania asked why passengers on board the plane had not been evacuated after landing, which is the normal practice for bomb scares, said the source.

The ICAO meeting was due to end at 1 pm ET (1700 GMT) but might not have an agreed statement ready until Friday, spokesman Anthony Philbin said by email. The council has limited powers of investigation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States (US) and allies on Thursday called on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to probe Belarus plane incident in which a Rayanair plane was forced to land, reported Reuters quoting a source.

The United States (US) and allies on Thursday called on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to probe Belarus plane incident in which a Rayanair plane was forced to land, reported Reuters quoting a source. Belarus denies any coercion. The 36-nation governing council of ICAO met in order to examine demands for a probe. Poland, Ireland, Britain, Germany and Canada also backed the call for a probe. On Sunday, Belarus sent fighter jet to force Athens-Vilnius (Lithuania) passenger plane to land in Belarus. A dissident onboard the plane was then detained. The incident sparked international outrage and calls for sanctions against Belarus. Minsk accused the West of using the episode to wage "hybrid war." Belarus told the meeting that the airliner had not been forced down. The plane was ordered to land minutes before it was due to leave Belarusian airspace. Lithuania asked why passengers on board the plane had not been evacuated after landing, which is the normal practice for bomb scares, said the source. The ICAO meeting was due to end at 1 pm ET (1700 GMT) but might not have an agreed statement ready until Friday, spokesman Anthony Philbin said by email. The council has limited powers of investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

UN aviation body may probe Belarus plane forced landing incident

More than a week into their fourth war, Israel and the Hamas are already facing allegations of possible war crimes in Gaza. Israel says Hamas is using Palestinian civilians as human shields, while critics say Israel is using disproportionate force.

Israel and Hamas face allegations of war crimes in Gaza

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